I’ve picked “Papa.”

I am well aware that grandchildren pick their own names for their grandparents.

And yes, I’ll answer to whatever name my grandson calls me.

But for what it’s worth, I’m going to at least suggest to the little guy that he call me “Papa.”

That’s not “Paw-Paw,” as they say it in Mississippi.

And it won’t be “Papou” either, although I have photographic evidence that someone has actually used that name.

And obviously, my wife wants to win a “Grammy.”

Regardless of what he calls us, we will cherish this little man. He is our first grandchild, so he’ll always have that special place. But more than that, he represents the next chapter in our families’ lives. We’re privileged to witness the beginning of, if God wills, our grandson’s 70+ year journey to Jesus. And while we won’t be there at the end, we intend to enjoy every step of his journey while we’re here, because:

Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children. — Proverbs 17:6 (GOD’S WORD translation)

A friend of mine who just recently became a grandpa himself told me, “It’s the best club you’ll ever join.” And even though I’ve been a t-shirt-wearing, coffee-mug-carrying member of that club for only three weeks now, I’m happy to report that he was exactly right.

Do I want to be a legend, as the t-shirt suggests? No. Just so long as my grandson loves Jesus Christ, trusts Him as his Lord and Savior, and lives to make His name known, I’ll be a happy Papa.